Where Has it All Gone So Wrong?
A report produced by the Food Farming & Countryside Commission (FFCC) in September 2024 highlighted that our growing addiction to unhealthy convenience food is costing £268 billion (bn) a year – almost equivalent to the total annual UK healthcare spend.
Figures in the FFCC report indicate that the £268bn figures is comprised of spending by the NHS (£67.5bn), social care services (£14.3bn) and the welfare system (£10.1bn) on tackling the diseases closely linked to diet, such as type 2 diabetes, heart problems and kidney disease. The other £176bn is the indirect cost of lost productivity from people who are too sick to work due to diet-related illness (£116.4bn) and “human costs”, such as pain and early death (£60bn).
When I was growing up as a kid in the 70’s, food was pretty simple – meat and two veg kind of stuff, with a few sweet treats. Most of the food we ate was prepared in the home with only the occasional trip to the local Berni Inn for a steak a slice of Black Forest Gateau. There was very limited choice compared to what we are offered today.
But choice today means something very different. It’s not just about what we eat, it’s about how we eat. Fast food, ready meals and eating on the go. Who wants to cook from scratch when you could be working a few more hours, as well as going to the gym and scrolling through endless social media posts on your phone?
The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods
In a world where we now have so much more information available about how to enjoy a healthy diet, isn’t it strange that dietary related illnesses are increasing? We have become addicted to artificial flavours and suffer unstoppable cravings for for manufactured substitutes for real food
It appears we have lost sight of the true value of raw food that is planted and grown in soil, or born and raised in pastures and the concept of nourishment has been displaced by a simple need to satiate appetite. Or maybe we just got bored of peeling potatoes, waiting for saucepans to come to the boil, endless washing up and another family meal that the kids refused to eat?
We live in a world where domestic appliances like microwave ovens and air fryers make cooking food quicker and easier, whilst automatic dishwashers are there to do the dirty work afterwards. Shopping has got simpler too, with online ordering and home delivery and ultra-processed foods fill the supermarket shelves to feed a world hungry for an easy life.
We have have been processing food for thousands of years, turning simple raw foods like meat, milk and vegetables into a wide variety of products. While some processing can increase food’s safety and shelf-life, the creation of UPFs has come about through engineering in laboratories, rather than simple processes like pasteurisation or curing.
UPFs now make up a significant proportion of the UK diet. Recent studies suggest that around 55–60% of total daily calorie intake in by UK adults comes from UPFs, with estimates of up to 67% for adolescents. As highlighted above, this shift in eating habits has major implications for public health and highlights the growing need to reconnect with real, nutritious food.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods, along with additives designed to enhance flavour, texture, and shelf life. These foods often contain little or no whole ingredients.
Common examples include:
• Packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits)
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Ready meals and instant noodles
• Fizzy drinks and energy drinks
• Processed meats like sausages and nuggets
The NOVA Food Classification
The NOVA classification system was developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2009. It aims to provide a clearer understanding of how food processing affects health and dietary choices, moving beyond traditional nutrient-based classifications. The system groups foods based on the extent and purpose of processing, as follows:
- Unprocessed or minimally processed foods – natural foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and eggs.
- Processed culinary ingredients – items like oils, butter, sugar, and salt used in cooking.
- Processed foods – foods altered for preservation or flavour, such as cheese, bread, and canned vegetables.
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – highly engineered products containing additives, preservatives, artificial colours and flavour enhancers.
UPFs are designed for convenience and hyper-palatability—but not for optimal health.
Why Makes Ultra-Processed Foods So Addictive?
UPFs are carefully formulated to stimulate the brain’s reward system. They often combine high levels of sugar, fat, and salt in ways rarely found in nature. This combination can:
• Trigger dopamine release (the “feel-good” chemical)
• Encourage overeating by bypassing natural satiety signals
• Create habitual cravings and dependence
In simple terms, UPFs are engineered to keep you coming back for more.
Health Risks of High UPF Consumption
A growing body of research links high intake of ultra-processed foods to a range of health problems, including:
• Obesity and weight gain
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain cancers
• Poor gut health
• Increased risk of depression
These risks are not just due to calories—they’re linked to the lack of nutrients, fibre, and natural food structure in UPFs, as well as the presence of additives.
The Case for Real Food
Ultra-processed foods may be convenient, but they can take a toll on our health. These heavily processed products often lack the nutrients our bodies need and can contribute to a range of health issues. In contrast, real food sourced directly from local farms is packed with the vitamins, minerals, and wholesome goodness our bodies crave. Choosing fresh, whole ingredients can help nourish our bodies and support our overall well-being.
Real food—grown, raised, and produced with minimal processing—offers the nutrients your body actually needs. This includes:
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• High-quality meat
• Eggs and dairy
• Whole grains and seasonal produce
These foods are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and healthy fats. They support better digestion, stable energy levels, and long-term health.
Supporting British Farmers and Local Food Systems
Choosing real food is not just a health decision—it’s an economic and environmental one. British farmers produce high-quality, traceable food with strong animal welfare and environmental standards.
Buying directly from farmers helps:
• Support local rural economies
• Reduce food miles and environmental impact
• Ensure freshness and transparency
• Strengthen the connection between people and their food
The Role of Produce & Provide
At Produce & Provide, we are committed to making it easier for people to access fresh, nutritious food directly from British farmers. By shortening the supply chain, we help ensure that high-quality produce reaches consumers without unnecessary processing or delays.
Our mission is simple:
To help people make more informed choices about how their food is produced and win recognition and reward for the farmers who produce it.
We want to keep real food alive!
Final Thoughts
With over half of UK calories coming from UPFs, it’s clear that change is needed. By choosing real, minimally processed foods and supporting British agriculture, we can improve our health, strengthen local communities, and build a more sustainable food system.
Small changes—like swapping packaged meals for fresh ingredients—can make a big difference.
Looking to make the switch? Explore fresh, farm-sourced food at Produce & Provide and take the first step towards a healthier way of eating. Visit our website map to find farms near you. Just click here
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Author: Neil Darwent
A small family farm selling beef and lamb